Did you know the most common type of energy drain is what’s going on around you in your environment?
Skeptical?
Energy drain audit.
Then do a quick scan of your environment. Because I can almost guarantee it will yield drains on your energy.
- It’s that pile of unfiled paperwork on your desk and the chip in your car windshield.
- It’s the drab gray cubicle you work in and mold in the bathroom grout.
- It’s your cell phone battery not holding a charge and the non-ergonomic chair where you sit all day.
- It’s all the junk mail you receive and your long commute.
- It’s your cluttered kitchen counters and overstuffed purse.
You get the idea.
Your environment—in the broadest sense—is not neutral. It’s either giving you energy or draining your energy.
Either/Or.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can leak energy all day long and it won’t impact your attitude and outlook, your focus and motivation.
Let’s do a little experiment.
Scan your environment—right now—and notice just one thing that’s draining your energy. And jot it on a piece of paper.
Now, I want you to think about what that one energy drain is costing you. Really think about how many times a day that particular energy drain is top of mind.
For instance, let’s say you look around and see the frayed carpeting that needs to be replaced—and you feel the energy drain.
Now, you may only notice that worn carpeting a couple times a day. It flits across your mind as something you need to deal with, and then the thought is gone.
No big deal, right?
But, now imagine you encounter dozens of these energy drains in a given day. Maybe dozens upon dozens. Even hundreds.
Make no mistake, those energy drains add up. And weigh you down.
And they’re costing you—big time.
The cost is friction in your life and a lack of focus. The cost is frustration and overwhelm. Staying stuck in the status quo is the cost.
Energy for what matters most to you is ultimate price you pay.
We often say we want more time when really it’s energy we’re after. Energy to fuel our lives. Energy to fully live our lives.
So let me ask you: What needs to change for your environment to be a source of energy that allows you to be your best?
